Hidden Secrets About The Burj Khalifa

Saying that the Burj Khalifa is the tallest building in the world is like stating Obama is the most loved president of America. We all know it, we all have spoken about it, and we all learn something new about it every time. One of the most photographed buildings in the world, we can see it from the sky, adorning the skyline of Dubai, from up-to 95 kilometers. Needless to say, this is on the list of every tourist who visits the city and the residents too crane their necks and take a good, long look at it every time they pass this majestic structure.

Apart from holding numerous world records to its name, there are a lot of cool facts about the building that fewer people know about. Did you know that the fashion Mughal Giorgio Armani has opened and designed not one nor two, but eight restaurants in this megatall building? These also happen to be the world’s first Armani hotel. Did you know that the design of the building was inspired by the spider lily, a regional desert flower? Did you also know that there were 12,000 workers, on site, building the Burj Khalifa, at any given time? I could even name this article ‘Did You Know’ because the list is long and full of surprises.

First, A few numbers:

‘The world’s tallest building’ stands high at 828 m (2,716 ft 6 in).

6 years-22 million man hours later the Burj Khalifa came to life.

With 160 floors, the Burj Khalifa wins the award for ‘The most floors in a building’.

The ‘Highest restaurant from ground level’ is on the 122nd level, at a height of 441.3 meters (1,447ft 10in).

Alain Robert is the world record holder for ‘Fastest time to climb Burj Khalifa unassisted’ in 6 hours 13 minutes 55 seconds.

The ‘highest base jump from a building’ at a height of 828 m (2,716 ft 6 in), was attempted and won at the Burj.

The building has 1.85 million sq ft of residential space and 300,000 sq ft of office space. This is excluding the health and wellness facilities, four pools and two observation decks.

Floors 77 to 108 of the building are residential. It wins ‘The highest residential apartments’ award for the apartments reach a height of 385 m (1,263 ft).

Over 85 artists have the honor of displaying their work in the world’s tallest art gallery.

The stairwell has a total of 2,909 steps leading up to the 160th floor.

26,000 hand-cut glass panels make up the exterior of the building.

10,000 fireworks shot from the building at the time of the initial launch, which was telecasted on television.

The building is made of 330,000 cubic meters of concrete, 39,000 m/t of reinforced steel; 103,000 sqm of glass and 15,500 sqm of embossed stainless steel.

The total amount of concrete used in the construction would equal the weight of 100,000 elephants.

The building’s water system supplies about 946,000 liters of water every day.

More than 30-onsite contracting companies came together to build the structure.

40 wind tunnel tests were conducted on the Burj to ensure its structural safety.

Level 123. That’s where the highest library in the world is located.

There are three Sky Lobbies in the Burj, at levels 43, 76 and 123. These are outdoor spaces where you can relax and unwind.

And now for some jaw dropping facts that will make your eyes bulge out in amazement!

It is ‘The tallest man-made structure on land’.

It is the first tallest tower to include residential space.

On a foggy day, being on the observation decks evoke a feeling of standing above the clouds.

Egyptian artist Karim Rashids stone sculpture is placed at the entrance of all the offices.

Armani residences are located on levels 9 to 16.

The unique view of the fountain from the observation decks is accompanied with the soundtrack, which is also played on top.

The common areas come with a fragrance selected from 18 different aromas.

This building is home to ‘The tallest elevator in a building’ which also happens to be ‘The world’s fastest double deck elevators’.

The height of At the Top is equivalent to being on the tip of Malaysia’s Petronas Towers.

In an action sequence, Tom Cruise climbed the building for Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol. The same stunt was spoofed by The Simpsons.

It’s the tallest building three ways: Height to architectural top, height to highest occupied floor and height to tip.

Mechanical, electrical and plumbing services were developed during the designing of the tower.

The interiors of the residences represent facets of Middle Eastern culture such as calligraphy and the slopes of sand dunes.

The gardens are watered using condensation from the air-conditioning systems as well as the atmosphere.

It was initially known as Burj Dubai before His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai revealed its official title – The Burj Khalifa!

I think you are all caught up with the facts of the Burj Khalifa. So the next time you hear someone mention the super tall building, or you visit it with your friends or family, enlighten them with these lesser known facts that will make you look like the wise one!

A self-proclaimed chef, an avid traveler and an Instagram addict, Shruti does not drink as her taste buds are too developed to accept alcohol! Interests she has in abundance - baking, horse riding, underwater swimming, wild water rafting, riding a motorbike and giving wise advice to friends. Shruti believes in the joy of trying everything for the first time. Born and bought up in Mumbai, India, you’d never see her again if traveling was free! Is why she fancies quitting her job and backpacking across the globe someday. If you wish to accompany her, share her interests or suggest something fun to do, you can reach her at shrutisarathy@hotmail.com and follow her on Instagram: the_bangalorean_mumbaite